* Child-centered learning: The focus is on the individual child's needs and developmental pace. Teachers act as guides, observing and supporting the child's learning journey rather than directing it through lectures or rote memorization.
* Self-directed activity: Children choose their activities from a range of specially designed materials within a prepared environment. This fosters independence, concentration, and a love of learning.
* Hands-on learning: Montessori classrooms are filled with hands-on materials that allow children to learn through exploration and manipulation. These materials are often self-correcting, meaning the child can see if they've made a mistake and learn from it independently.
* Prepared environment: The classroom is carefully organized to be aesthetically pleasing, accessible, and stimulating for children. Materials are arranged in a way that encourages exploration and independent work.
* Mixed-age classrooms: Montessori schools often group children of different ages together (e.g., 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds). This allows older children to mentor younger ones, while younger children learn from observing and interacting with their older peers.
* Emphasis on practical life skills: Montessori education emphasizes the development of practical life skills, such as pouring, dressing, cleaning, and food preparation. These skills build independence and self-confidence.
* Sensorial learning: A significant portion of the curriculum focuses on developing the child's senses through specially designed materials that help them discriminate between different textures, sizes, shapes, colors, sounds, and smells.
* Uninterrupted work periods: Children are given extended periods of time to work on their chosen activities without interruption, allowing them to develop deep focus and concentration.
While the core principles remain consistent, Montessori schools can vary in their implementation and specific approaches. Some might be more strictly adherent to Dr. Montessori's original methods, while others might incorporate more modern educational philosophies. The overall aim, however, remains the same: to nurture the child's natural curiosity and help them develop into independent, self-motivated learners.